Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Accident victim pleads for help but onlookers click photos instead

The Supreme Court guidelines about Good Samaritans coming to the rescue of accident victims need to be understood and implemented much more, if the incident in Koppal on Wednesday is any indicator.

A youth, severely injured after being hit by a speeding KSRTC bus near the BEO's office in Koppal, died in hospital simply because he didn't get timely help from the public. The hospital is just a stone's throw from the accident spot, but people watched Anwar writhing in pain and some even used their cellphones to shoot pictures and videos. None of them tried to shift him to a hospital. According to Koppal traffic police sources, Anwar Ali Ekalaspur, 18,was a resident of Devaraj Urs Colony, Koppal.

Around 8.40am on Wednesday, Anwar was cycling to the market area where he worked in a tiles shop when he was hit by a bus going to Hubballi from Hosapete. The bus ran over him and he sustained severe injuries. He pleaded with people to take him to a hospital. But, onlookers did not heed his appeal, reportedly fearing harassment by police and the hospital, said eyewitnesses who did not wish to be named.

Some people offered him water, called for an 108 ambulance and informed local police. The ambulance arrived about 25 minutes later and shifted him to the hospital. District surgeon at Koppal Dr Suresh Danaraddi, told TOI: "Anwar was brought to hospital around 9.15am in a serious condition, and our doctors tried their best to save his life, but in vain. His pelvis was crushed. He died of injuries and haemorrhagic shock around 1.20pm."